THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 


THE  COLLECTION  OF 
NORTH  CAROLINIANA 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HIU 

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ADDRESS 


DELIVERED    BEFORE    THE 


TWO  LITERARY  SOCIETIES 


OF    THE 


mmnm  w  mm  m%\m, 


June  6,  1849s 


BY  HON.  WILLIAM  A.  GRAHAM. 


PUBLISHED    BY    ORDER    OF    THE    DIALECTIC    SOCIETY. 


RALEIGH,   N.   C. 

PUBLISHED  BY  SEATON  GALES, 

1849. 


Dialectic  Hall,  July  29,  184P. 

Sm: 

The  undersigned  have  been  appointed  a  Committee,  to  ten- 
der to  you  the  grateful  acknowledgements  of  the  Dialectic  Soci- 
ety, for  the  very  instructive  and  appropriate  Address  which  yon 
delivered  before  the  two  Literary  Societies,  in  Gerard  Hall,  on 
the  day  preceding  our  Annual  Commencement,  and  to  request  a 
copy  for  publication. 

Permit  us,  sir,  personally  to  express  our  wishes  that  you  will 
comply  with  the  request  of  the  body  which  we  represent. 
With  very  high  respect, 

WASHINGTON  C.  KERR. 
HENRY  HARDIE, 
SAMUEL  E.  WHITFIELD. 
Hon.  William  A.  Graham. 


Hillsborough,  Jlugust  13/^,  1849. 
Gentlemen : 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  favor,  expressing  the 
acknowledgments  of  the  Dialectic  Society  for  the  Address  de- 
livered by  me,  under  their  appointment,  at  the  late  Commence- 
ment of  the  University,  and  requesting  a  copy  for  publication. 

Actuated  by  the  sense  of  duty  which  prompted  the  under- 
taking of  this  task,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  comply  with  the  request 
you  have  so  politely  communicated,  though  satisfied  that  the  So- 
ciety has  estimated  the  Address  above  its  merits. 
I  am,  Gentlemen,  with  high  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

WILL:  A.  GRAHAM 

Messrs.  Washington  C.  Kerr,  ^ 

Henry  Hardie,  >  Committee. 

Samuel  E.  Whitfield,  S 


ADDRESS. 


Ge>tleme>'  of  the  Dialectic  Ax\d 

Philanthropic  Societies  : 

I  come  to  acquit  myself  of  an  obligation  I  could  not  disre- 
gard, and  to  attest  my  sense  of  the  distinction  you  have  been 
pleased  to  confer,  however  much  I  regret  that  the  cause  of  letters, 
and  this  occasion  of  ever  recurring  interest,  have  not  a  more  fit 
representative.  Though  poor  must  be  my  contribution  to  the 
annual  festival  of  the  friends  of  learning,  so  redolent  of  pleasant, 
but  mournful  remembrances  of  the  past,  and  joyful  hopes  of  the 
future,  so  cheering  to  our  country  and  our  University,  in  view  of 
tiie  intellectual  harvests  which  have  been  here  gathered,  and  of 
those  which  are  in  promise,  I  could  not  decline  the  grateful  office 
of  welcoming  forth  those,  Avho,  having  finished  with  approbation 
their  course  here,  now  go  forward  to  the  duties  and  trials  of  man- 
hood, and  of  speaking  a  word  of  encouragement  and  counsel  to 
the  ingenuous  youth,  who  continue  in  these  peaceful  shades, 
pursuing  the  same  liberal  studies. 

It  would,  doubtless,  be  a  most  agreeable  communication,  could 
one,  who  after  a  long  separation,  returns  to  bear  a  part  in  the 
ceremonies  of  this  day,  and  finds  in  these  classic  halls,  a  new 
generation,  emulous  in  every  ennobling  quality,  announce  any 
discovery  or  improvement,  in  an  age  so  abounding  in  wonderful 
changes,  by  which  the  student  could  be  relieved  of  the  toil  and 
labor  now  deemed  indispensable  for  his  discipHne,  and  by  wliich, 
youth  could  be  at  once  invested  with  the  wisdom  and  learning, 
thus  far  attainable  only  by  long  years  of  industrious  application. 


Insomuch  as  might  depend  on  the  suftVages  of  Collegiate s,  such 
an  improvement  would  certainly  entitle  its  author  to  a  place  in 
the  most  delightful  region  of  those  Elysian  fields,  which  Virgil 
has  consecrated  to  Heroes  and  Sages  and  the  inventors  of  other 
useful  arts.  But  however  sincere  would  be  the  pleasure  enjoyed, 
as  well  as  imparted,  by  the  bearer  of  such  tidings,  I  am  charged, 
my  young  friends,  with  no  such  mission.  It  was  the  consolation 
of  the  scholar,  under  the  afflictions  of  neglect,  persecution  and 
poverty,  in  the  monarchies  of  the  old  world,  that  "there  was  no 
royal  road  to  learning."  Whatever  other  advantages  we  have 
gained  under  our  freer  institutions,  we  have  found  it  equally  true, 
that  there  is  no  popular  road.  The  acquisitions  of  liberal  schol- 
arship are  neither  elective  nor  hereditary,  but  the  results  only  of 
the  patient  toils  of  genius.  Neither  place,  nor  power,  nor  wealth, 
can  bestow  them — no  canons  of  succession  transmit  them.  They 
are  the  purchase  only  of  the  ingenuous  mind.  Yielding,  there- 
fore, to  that  necessity  which  is  our  common  lot,  let  us  not  lament 
nor  despond  :  but  rather  rejoice,  that  they  are  prizes  held  out  for 
the  free  competition  of  all,  and  endeavor  to  alleviate  our  labors, 
and  illumine  our  path,  in  their  pursuit,  by  a  cursory  review  of 
the  objects  of  a  liberal  education.  The  subject  has  no  claim  to 
novelty,  but  it  may  not  be  unprofitable,  occasionally  to  examine 
the  grounds  of  our  opinion  and  practice,  though  they  challenge 
general  approbation. 

The  objects  of  a  Liberal  Education !  Why  the  endow- 
ment of  Colleges,  and  establishment  of  Professorships,  and  the 
tedious  and  laborious  course  of  studio  required  for  graduation  ? 
When  Omar,  the  Mahometan  Caliph  of  Egypt,  was  entreated  not 
to  consign  to  the  flames  the  magnificent  Library  at  Alexandria, 
the  repository  of  the  productions  of  the  human  mind  for  forty-six 
centuries  of  the  world's  history,  he  replied:  "If  there  be  that, 
"  contained  in  these  books,  which  accords  with  the  Koran,  the 
"  latter  is  all  sufficient  without  them  ;  but  if  there  be  any  thing 
"repugnant  to  that  sacred  book,  we  can  have  no  need  of  them. 
"  Order  them,  therefore,  all  to  be  destroyed."  The  historian 
informs  us,  that  they  were  accordingly  made  to  supply  fuel  for 
the  luxurious  baths  of  that  Capitol,  for  more  than  six  months, 
until  the  whole  were  consumed.  Perhaps,  in  impatience  and 
despondency  of  mastering  the  ponderous  volumes  prescribed  to 
him,  the  modern  student  may  sometimes  indulge  a  momentary 


regret,  that  a  summary,  alike  compendious  with  the  Koran,  had 
not  been  digested  of  the  discipline  and  knowledge  required  for  his 
instruction,  and  that  all  other  books,  if  not  doomed  to  the  fate  of 
the  Alexandrian  Library,  had  been  at  least  postponed  from  his 
tasks,  until,  with  a  more  matured  mind,  and  greater  conversancy 
with  the  world,  he  could  perceive  the  advantage,  utility  or  plea- 
sure he  was  to  derive  from  learning  their  contents.  If  we,  like 
the  fanatical  and  destructive  Caliph,  aspired  to  nothing  more 
than  a  life  of  conquest,  rapine  and  violence  here,  and  sensual 
indulgence  hereafter,  we  might  readily  content  ourselves  with 
like  views  of  the  extent  and  utility  of  study  and  information. — 
But  formed  for  a  nobler  destiny,  we  are  impressed  with  the  ne- 
cessity of  cultivating  our  powers  for  its  fultilment,  as  reasonable 
and  immortal  creatures. 

The  design  of  all  education  being  to  prepare  the  young  for  the 
duties  and  employments  of  life,  the  system  has  no  doubt  varied  with 
the  phases  and  progress  of  society  in  different  ages.  When  the 
strongest  arm,  the  most  dextrous  spear,  lance  or  scimetar,  or  even 
the  successful  combinations  of  embattled  hosts,  were  the  tests  of 
human  excellence,  and  Hercules  or  Achilles,  Sampson  or 
Richard  cceur  de  Lion,  were  the  impersonations  of  all  that  com- 
manded the  admiration  of  men,  there  was  but  little  need  of  a  refi- 
ned taste,  a  critical  knowledge  of  Languages,  of  Mathematics,  or  of 
Physical  or  Moral  Science.  Even  in  times  and  countries  where 
learning  was  esteemed  and  cultivated,  the  zeal  and  energies  of  its 
votaries  were  too  often  w^asted  in  futile  speculations  and  vagaries, 
and  the  aspiring  youth,  fired  with  a  noble  ardor  for  intellectual 
distinction,  was  doomed  to  wear  out  his  life  in  the  intricacies  of  a 
vain  philosophy,  or  a  false  theology,  w^hich  has  been  dissipated,  as 
the  mists  of  the  morning,  before  the  light  of  the  Christian  and  re- 
formed religion,  or  in  the  labyrinths  of  metaphysical  disputation, 
serving  no  other  end  than  to  whet  the  mental  appetite,  without  fur- 
nishing it  any  appropriate  food.  And  since  the  establishment  of 
Universities,  which  were  unknown  to  the  Ancients,  and  have  arisen 
consequently  to  the  revival  of  letters,  after  the  dark  ages  of  history, 
much  that  once  engaged  their  attention,  and  procured  for  their 
sophisters  high  Academic  honors,  has  been  found  unequal  to  the 
scrutiny  of  common  sense,  and  of  that  new  philosophy  of  which 
Lord  Bacon  was  tjie  founder,  and  has  been  exploded  as  obsolete 
pedantry. 


6 

Having  our  lol  cast  in  a   period   favored  beyond  all  others, 
because  blessed   with  the  light  of  their  experience,  and  the  re- 
searches and  inventions  of  our  own,  our  scheme  of  instruction  is, 
of  course,  designed  to  fit  us  to  act  well  our  parts,  in  the  maturity 
of  knowledge,  and  the  higher  civilization  which  it  is  our  privilege 
to  enjoy.     With  Governments  of  vast  and  complicated  affairs, 
appealing  to  justice,  truth  and  reason,   instead  of  force,  in  every 
step  of  their  administration  ;  Avith  systems  of  Law,  attempting  to 
define  every  individual  right,  and  the  appropriate  remedy  for  its 
infraction ; — a  Medical  Art,  which  puts  in  requisition  a  knowledge 
of  the  ininutest  functions  of  our  bodily  organs,  and  calls  on  all 
the   kingdoms  of  nature  for  its  remedies; — a  Theology,  which, 
though  simple  and  easily  intelligible  in  its  essential  features,  runs 
back  in  its  details  and  history,  through  all  the  learned  languages 
of  the  world,  to  the  veiy  origin  of  our  race  ; — with  a  Literature, 
preserving  for  our  use  the  wisdom  and  learning  of  past  ages  ; — 
when  Commerce  brings  us  into   acquaintance  and  friendly  com- 
petition with  all  the  nations  of  the  earth,  and  every  Art  is  becom- 
ing illustrated,   adorned  and  dignified  by  the  discoveries  of  Sci- 
ence ;  a   system  of  Education,   corresponding  in   its  provisions 
with  this  stage  in  the  progress  of  mankind,  is  obviously  necessary. 
And  modern  nations,  sensible  of  this  necessity,  instead  of  leaving 
such  provision  to  be  made  by  the  voluntary  and   unaided  eflbrts 
of  the  friends  of  learning,  as  was  the  case  even  in  the  most  pol- 
ished ages  of  Greece  and  Rome,  have  established  Universities  in 
their  fundamental  systems  of  Government.     Not  to  supersede 
inferior  Schools,  but  as  a  part  of  the  same  system  ;  to  supply  the 
wants  of  the  noble  aspirants,  whose  thirst  for  knowledge  has  not 
been  quenched  at  these  humbler  fountains  of  learning.     Not  that 
it  is  expected  that  every  youth  can  participate  in  their  teachings, 
however  desirable  it  may  be  among  a  free  people  that  all  should, 
but  because  the    State  will  be  remunerated  for  their  endowment, 
if  those  who  do,  shall  become  worthy  representatives  of  their  age 
and  country,  in  useful  and  elegant  erudition  and  good  morals. 

If,  in  the  estimation  of  Cicero,  himself  "  a  sublime  specimen 
"  of  the  perfection  to  which  the  best  parts,  with  the  best  culture, 
■can  exalt  human  nature,"  the  education  of  an  Orator,  the  fin- 
ished scholar  of  his  day,  should  comprehend  "  a  knowledge  of 
every  thing  in  nature  or  art,  worthy  to  be  known,"  this  standard 
ought,  at  least;  to  be  kept  in  view,  in  an  age  near  two  thousand 


voars  subioquont,  and  onrlched  l)y  the  proili!J;lous  aJvanceiiK'nt 
ill  kiiowlodgo  of  things  human  and  ilivino,  which  lias  been  nvatle 
in  the  mean  time.  Tried  by  tliis  standard,  the  systems  of  our 
Universities  are  ratlier  deficient  tlian  redundant.  For,  although 
it  were  extravagance  to  suppose,  that  he  expected  an  education  to 
be  completed  in  tlie  period  allotted  for  graduation  with  us,  yet 
the  foundations  here  laid,  in  all  their  length  and  breadth,  are 
barely  sufficient  for  the  superstructure  which  he  recommends, 
and  of  which  he  aflbrded  so  brilliant  an  example.  But  if  such  a 
model  of  a  thorough  education  is  to  be  reached,  or  approached 
even,  in  the  course  of  a  studious  life,  it  can  only  be  after  the 
mind  has  been  strengthened  and  furnished  for  the  work,  with  all 
due  preparation.  The  course  of  Collegiate  instruction,  therefore, 
while  it  expands  the  thoughts,  stores  the  memory  with  useful 
truths,  and  forms  and  corrects  the  taste,  is  carefully  arranged  by 
a  series  of  gradations,  to  discipline  the  understanding  to  the  habit 
and  the  love  of  study,  so  that  it  may  acquire  the  power  to  labor 
with  perseverance,  if  not  with  pleasure,  on  whatsoever  subject 
its  faculties  may  be  employed.  And  although  in  its  pursuit,  we 
may  often  stand  in  need  of  the  consoling  advice  of  Sir  Edward 
Coke,  to  his  pupil  in  the  Common  Law,  that  "albeit  the  stu- 
"  dent  shall  not  at  any  one  day,  do  what  he  can,  reach  to  the  full 
"  meaning  of  all  that  is  here  laid  down,  let  him  no  way  discour- 
"■age  himself,  but  proceed,  for  on  some  other  day,  in  some  other 
"  place,  his  doubts  will  probably  be  removed,"  we  must  constant- 
ly bear  in  mind,  at  least  in  the  earlier  stages  of  our  progress,  that 
these  exactions  have  not  been  made  by  the  fancies  of  pedantic 
schoolmen,  but  have  been  devised  with  care  and  deliberation  by 
the  concurrent  opinions  of  the  scholars  and  statesmen  of  our  own 
age,  as  well  as  those  who  have  gone  before  us ;  and  that  they 
being  judges,  he  who  hopes  to  excel  in  any  intellectual  employ- 
ment, will  be  helped  forward  to  the  goal  of  his  ambition  by  com- 
plete proficiency  in  this  course  of  preparation. 

The  time  would  soon  fail  us,  to  pass  in  review  the  branches 
of  study  it  embraces,  and  to  vindicate  the  claim  of  each,  to  the 
place  it  occupies  in  the  system.  But  avoiding  such  tedious 
recital,  and  without  presuming  to  invade  the  province  of  the 
learned  and  zealous  Instructors,  whose  enlightened  labors  are 
enjoyed  by  this  Institution,  I  may  be  permitted  to  say,  that  so 
much  as  is  here  taught  in  any  department,  is  useful,  nay,  impor- 


8 

tant  to  be  learned,  by  every  one  who  aspires  to  liberal  scholarship, 
without  reference  to  the  idea  he  may  have  formed  of  the  peculiar 
adaptations  of  his  genius,  or  the  course  in  life  he  may  contem- 
plate. Those  who  consider  this  a  mere  Procrustean  process,  and 
contend  for  fostering  only  the  natural  inclinations  of  the  mind, 
must  be  reminded,  that,  as  the  first  rudiments  of  learning  are  to 
be  overcome  by  all,  these  are  but  rudiments  to  him  who  would 
attain  to  the  higher  departments  of  knowledge,  and  the  generous 
culture  of  his  faculties.  Independently  of  the  difficulty  of  pro- 
nouncing too  early,  and  without  sufficient  trial,  on  the  peculiar 
powers  we  have  derived  from  nature,  true  genius  will  not  be 
impeded  in  her  celestial  flight,  nor  shine  less  brightly  in  her 
destined  orbit,  for  having  disciplined  her  strength  in  the  circuit 
of  science,  and  adorned  her  plumage  with  the  graces  of  general 
literature.  That  many  of  these  studies  have  no  immediate 
connexion  with  the  actual  business  of  mankind,  makes  them  no 
exception.  It  has  been  strikingly  remarked  by  a  writer  of  our 
own  day,  (in  vindication  of  the  study  of  the  ancient  classics)  that 
a  course  of  education  for  the  young,  "  should  form  a  distinct 
"  mental  character,  from  which  the  professional  character  of  af- 
"  ter  years  may  derive  liberality  and  warmth,  to  correct  its  nat- 
"  ural  selfishness  and  exclusiveness."  If  some  of  them  be  found 
dry,  uninteresting,  severe  and  difficult,  it  must  be  recollected 
that  they  are  exercises  which  may  qualify  us  to  grapple  with  the 
more  abstruse  branches  of  knowledge,  or  for  the  exigencies  which 
await  us  in  life ;  as  the  Roman  soldier  of  those  armies  which 
conquered  the  world,  was  always  trained  in  arms  of  double  the 
weight,  required  in  real  action,  and  these  trainings  were  so  un- 
remitted in  all  seasons  and  under  all  circumstances,  that  the  very 
name  of  army  became  identical  with  that  of  exercise.  It  is  the 
duty  of  instruction  to  endeavor  to  awaken  interest  and  curiosity 
in  their  pursuit,  so  as  to  render  them  as  attractive  as  possible  to 
the  noviciate  mind,  and  I  doubt  not  that  office  is  well  performed 
now,  as  heretofore,  within  these  walls.  It  has  been  the  reproach, 
however,  of  collegiate  learning,  that  it  is  acquired  too  much  as  a 
task  and  by  rote,  and  that  graduates  even  want  the  familiar  and 
dextrous  use  of  it,  which  shows  it  to  have  been  thoroughly  in- 
corporated with  their  stores  of  knowledge.  And  it  seems  to  be 
reserved  for  the  philosophic  Germans,  with  whom  the  art  of 
teaching  (not  the  quantum  of  acquirement  in  the  teacher)  is 


9 

among  the  hlglicbt  objects  of  ambition  to  discover  and  apply  the 
true  corrective  for  this  defect.  But  witli  all  the  adventitious 
aids  of  Professors  and  Universities,  the  acquirements  of  the  Stu- 
dent must  depend,  at  least  mainly,  upon  himself,  and  unless  he 
shall  master  these  studies,  and  make  the  knowledge,  spirit  and 
taste  of  the  authors  of  his  text-books  his  own,  his  labor  will  be  in 
a  great  measure  in  vain.  T  by  no  means  design  to  inculcate,  that 
the  attention  to  these  studies  should  be  so  exclusive  that  no  other 
knowledge  should  be  sought  during  the  collegiate  term  ;  on  the 
contrary,  in  the  intervals  of  leisure  enjoyed  by  the  diligent  Stu- 
dent, much  may  be  added  to  his  treasures  of  various  information, 
without  encroachment  on  his  hours  of  recreation  and  amusement. 
But  I  have  been  thus  emphatic  in  the  expression  of  my  convic- 
tion, that  they  should  be  the  primary  object  of  pursuit,  because 
I  doubt  whether  there  be  any  error  more  injurious  In  its  effects 
to  the  literature  of  our  country,  than  the  too  frequent  one  of  the 
early  choice  of  profession  or  pursuit  in  life,  by  young  men  of 
genius,  and  their  consequent  neglect  of  all  liberal  studies,  unlesi 
their  direct  connexion  with  this  one  pursuit  is  obvious  and  man- 
ifest. Where  this  mistake  has  been  committed,  a  liberal  educa- 
tion, if  attempted  by,  or  forced  upon,  the  impatient  aspirant,  in 
not  sought  with  the  alacrity  which  his  natural  parts  and  spirit 
would  inspire.  He  devotes  no  more  attention  to  those  branches 
of  which  the  utility  to  him  is  not  clearly  perceived,  than  is 
necessary  to  obtain  a  degree,  and  narrows  the  energies  of  his 
capacious  mind  to  a  single  end.  To  him  Professorships,  and  all 
the  appliances  of  instruction,  beyond  his  chosen  field,  are  of  no 
value  ;  and  his  favorite  studies  could  be  carried  on  with  almost 
equal  advantages  elsewhere  as  here.  The  effects  of  such  a 
course  are  too  visibly  before  us  everywhere,  to  require  mention. 
It  makes  us  artisans  in  our  several  callings,  not  scholars — useful 
men,  of  intellectual  acumen  and  professional  intelligence,  but 
without  the  varied  learning  and  polite  accomplishments  we  might 
have  acquired  by  a  proper  improvement  of  our  opportunities.  It 
perverts  the  intention  of  our  system  of  instruction,  and  gives  it  a 
wrong  direction.  It  has  been  objected  to  the  Grecian  system,  of 
which  the  Roman  was  but  an  imperfect  copy,  that  it  bestowed 
too  much  attention  on  mere  elegance  and  accomplishment,  while 
the  pursuit  of  useful  knowledge  was  neglected.  Ours,  intended 
in  its  theory  to  embrace  both  of  these  objects,  tends  in  its  actual 
prosecution  to  the  merelv  mechanical  and  utilitarian. 


10 

JSIoit  peiioni:  excuse  thems>ekei  for  the  cau'lailment  of  iheir 
course  of  preparatory  study,  and  taking  this  nearer  "way  to  llinie 
and  fortune,  by  their  supposed  want  of  time  for  greater  attainments. 
And  considering  the  briefness  of  our  active  life,  and  the  necessary 
interruptions  to  which  the  most  vigorous  plans  of  application  are 
*ubject,  it  is  important  that  none  of  it  be  wasted.  But  by  acting 
on  the  sentiinent  of  the  Italian  philosopher,  mentioned  in  one  of 
the  essays  of  the  Rambler,  that  "  time  was  his  estate,"  which 
yielded  nothing  without  culture,  but  made  rich  returns  to 
diligence  and  labor,  much  more  may  be  accomplished  in  the 
space  allotted  to  us,  than  is  generally  imagined. 

Others  apprehend  that  such  a  course  of  mental  exercise  and 
discipline,  is  calculated  to 

"■  Freeze  the  genial  currents  of  the  soul," 

and  doom  them  to  austerity  and  servitude — forgetting  that  a 
life  of  diligence  and  industry,  is  not  by  any  means  a  life  of 
drudgery.  Labors,  it  is  true,  are  demanded  ;  but  they  are  the 
labors  of  Hercules,  triumphing  over  obstacles — not  the  ineffectual 
exertions  of  Sysiphus.  And  although  they  were  multiplied 
twelve-fold,  they  would  be  well  imposed,  did  they  but  subdue 
sloth,  that  wicked  foe  to  all  generous  effort  and  enterprize,  and 
give  us  active,  intrepid,  and  well  furnished  minds.  But  as  every 
advance  in  knowledge  opens  a  new  scene  of  delight,  the  toils  so 
appalling  to  indolence  and  despondency  vanish  away  in  our 
progress,   et  labor  ipse  est  I'oluptcis. 

But  the  eager  desire  to  leap  into  the  arena  of  affairs,  and 
participate  in  the  stirring  events  of  the  learned  professions,  or  of 
politics,  is  in  our  young  and  adventurous  country,  one  great 
obstacle  to  the  liberal  culture  of  the  mind.  In  such  a  country, 
life  itself  is  a  school  in  which  practical  affairs  are  practically 
taught  with  but  a  limited  course  of  previous  education,  and  with 
its  keen  competitions  and  excitements  daily  before  us,  it  is  difficult 
to  command  the  patience  and  perseverance  necessary  to  profound 
vmd  extensive  erudition.  And  unless  the  habit  of  study  and  taste 
for  generous  learning  has  been  established  in  early  life,  it  will 
be  in  vain  to  look  for  them  afterwards.  It  is  in  the  department  of 
public  speaking  that  the  candidate  for  distinction  usually  makes 
his  debut  before  the  world.  It  has  been  said  of  the  British  empire, 
that  since  the  restoration  of  the  second  Charles  and  the  practical 


u 

rhaiiL^o*  wrouj^^hl  in  the  Constitution  by  the  licvolulion  wliirli 
preceded  it,  eloquence  has  usurped  the  place  of  \visdom,  and 
(he  Ciovernment  has  been  under  the  control  of  Parliamentary 
debaters,  many  of  whom  ha\'C  been  profoundly  ignorant  of  the 
departments  of  the  public  service,  wliich,  on  account  of  this 
species  of  talent  alone,  they  have  been  called  to  administer,  and 
that  '•  a  Premier  who  can  make  a  successful  speech,  need  trouble 
"himself  little  about  an  unsuccessful  expedition."  INIaking 
every  abatement  for  the  overdrawing  of  this  picture,  it  must  be 
admitted  that  in  that  country,  and  in  this,  public  affairs  are  in  a 
great  measure  controlled  by  oral  discussion.  Hence  the  natural 
wish  among  us  to  excel  in  this  qualification  ;  and  althougli  but 
few,  comparatively,  have  attained  to  the  higher  grades  of  elo- 
quence, no  nation  probably  ev^er  presented  so  great  an  array  of  rea- 
dy public  speakers.  But  by  far  the  greater  part  seem  content  with 
this  one  acquirement,  and  push  their  intellectual  exercises  no 
further.  We  abound  much  more  in  speakers  than  writers — 
satisfied  with  the  temporary  success  and  renown  obtained  with 
the  freest  indulgence  of  the  Oratorical  license,  the  larger  number 
have  little  claim  to  the  taste,  discipline  and  accuracy  of  thought 
required  for  correct  and  elegant  composition.  Both  speaking 
and  waiting,  however,  are  but  arts,  designed  to  pourtray  the 
productions  of  the  mind.  Unless  it  has  been  inspired  with  a  true 
taste,  enlarged  and  exercised  by  stud}-,  and  stored  with  generous 
knowledge,  no  rhetoric  can  supply  its  deficiencies,  nor  give 
excellence  to  its  etlusions.  And  although  the  public  and  profes- 
sional affairs,  to  which  allusion  has  been  made,  may  be  conducted 
without  liberal  learning,  yet  he  wlio  aspires  to  high  eminence  or 
j)ermanent  fame  in  these  pursuits,  will  be  greatly^  advanced  by- 
its  aid.  Burke  had  many  rivals  among  his  contemporaries,  who 
successfully  contested  with  him  the  palm  of  eloquence  on  the 
floor  of  Parliament,  but  from  the  inexhaustible  resources  of  his 
philosophic  and  cultivated  mind,  and  his  brilliant  attractions  as  a 
writer,  he  has  left  them  far  behind  in  the  race  for  posthumous 
distinction,  and  has  embalmed  even  the  eplicmeral  party  contro- 
versies of  his  day  in  a  diction  which  will  preserve  them  to  future 
ages.  Other  examples  of  the  advantages  derived  to  statesmen 
and  men  of  affairs  from  liberal  learning,  will  readily  occur  to  the 
reader  of  the  history  of  all  enlightened  nations.  And  he  wlio 
neglects  it  in  our  country,  under  the   impression    th;it  it  will  hw 


12 

needless  to  him  in  these  pursuits  ou  which  he  is  so  anxious  ia 
enter,  usually  discovers  his  mistake  at  too  late  a  period  oi'life 
for  its  correction. 

By  spending  the  collegiate  term  in  the  generous  culture  of 
all  the  faculties,  and  the  acquirement  of  a  liberal  store  of  knowl- 
edge, the  horizon  of  the  emulous  Student  becomes  enlarged,  the 
field  for  selection  of  a  path  in  life  is  extended  ;  perchance  that 
once  contemplated  is  not  found  best  suited  to  his  capacities  and 
tastes,  and  he  enters  upon  the  journey  in  whatever  direction, 
animis  npibus  que  parutus,  for  noble  exertion  and  continued 
improvement.  He  regards  his  collegiate  exercises  as  but  a 
preparation  for  self-education,  and  impressed  with  the  true  dignity 
of  science,  he  continues  his  devotions  at  her  shrine,  no  matter 
where  necessity  or  choice  may  demand  his  chief  attention.  Only 
such  a  course  of  education  deserves  to  be  styled  "liberal;"  by 
euch  only  is  the  intellectual  character  of  our  country  to  be  elevated, 
and  our  alma  mater  to  be  "  honored  in  her  children." 

No  system  of  education,  however,  would  be  complete,  which 
aimed  merely  at  intellectual  culture  and  attainments,  and  neglected 
the  morals,  the  heart  and  the  affections.  Fortunately  for  us,  the 
culture  of  these  is  attended  with  no  difficult  and  painful  study_ 
but  is  taught  in  the  pages  of  revealed  truth.  Commencing  in 
infancy  around  the  knees  of  the  mother,  our  duties  are  learned 
in  the  precepts  of  the  decalogue  ;  and  the  heavenly  charities  of 
imperfect  obligation  inculcated  in  the  maxims  and  parables  of  the 
New  Testament.  All  the  ethics  of  the  schools,  and  pure  systems 
of  morality  among  men,  but  confirm  and  illustrate  these  subhme 
doctrines.  And  the  virtues  which  are  their  fruits  give  to  the 
human  character  all  its  loveliness  and  real  dignity.  While, 
therefore,  generous  studies  are  assiduously  pursued,  an  enlight- 
ened moral  sense,  and  an  inflexible  determination  to  conform  your 
conduct  to  its  dictates,  should  be  habitually  cultivated.  In  this 
connexion,  perhaps  it  is  not  below  the  dignity  of  the  occasion^  to 
commend  to  your  attention  the  culture  of  the  "lesser  morals," 
or  a  proper  standard  of  manners  and  conversation,  for  the  same 
reason  assigned  by  Aristotle,  for  the  study  of  music  by  the 
young  Greeks,  "  that  so  the  mind  may  be  taught  how  honorably 
"  to  pursue  business,  and  how  creditably  to  enjoy  leisure;  for 
"  such  enjoyment  is,  after  all:  the  end  of  business  and  the  boun- 
"  darV  of  active  life." 


The  time  will  not  })t'rmi(  us  to  eiilartje  on  (he  b(iuri(llc:,s  firlds 
ol  knowledge  which  lie  open  to  the  man  oniberal  culture,  or  the 
fame,  satisfaction  or  advantage  to  be  derived  from  reaping  the 
harvests  they  afford.  Suffer  me,  my  young  friends,  to  conclude 
these  undigested  remarks,  with  the  expression  of  my  sincere  hope, 
that  each  one  of  you  may  realize  the  fond  desires  of  his  parents, 
by  attaining  tlie  highest  excellence  in  all  generous  learning  and 
good  morals,  and  that  our  University  may  long  continue  the  nur- 
sery of  genius,  the  pride  and  ornament  of  the  State. 

Ge.nti.kmen  of  the  Grapuatixg  Class  ; 

Though  it  is  near  a  quarter  of  a  century  since  I  was  honored 
■with  the  degree  you  are  about  to  receive,  and  quitted  these  scenes 
for  the  active  pursuits  of  life,  I  well  remember  the  emotions  of 
that  day,  and  can  readily  participate  in  your  liopcs  and  appre- 
hensions, your  joys  and  sorrows.  Thurfar,  you  have  lived  under 
the  kind  direction  of  your  parents  and  of  the  authorities  of  this 
Institution.  You  are  now^  to  be  segregated  from  the  Colleo-e 
community  of  which  you  have  formed  an  important  part,  and  to 
assume  the  control  of  your  own  conduct,  as  members  of  civil 
society.  Each  one  of  you  is  an  object  of  affectionate  reo-ard  to 
his  family  and  friends,  who  have  looked  forward  to  this  period  of 
his  life  with  deep  interest,  and  from  the  certificate  of  liberal 
scholarship  and  good  morals,  now  conferred,  becomes  at  once  an 

object  of  mark  and  distinction  in  his  sphere  of  acquaintance. 

Bearing  the  testimonial  of  superior  opportunities  of  improvement 
enjoyed,  you  will  be  expected  to  possess  corresponding  acquire- 
ments and  qualifications.  Favored  beyond  most  of  your  contem- 
poraries in  the  enjoyment  of  those  opportunities,  they  will  be  re- 
garded as  a  talent  committed  to  your  charge,  of  which  you  must 
render  an  account  in  your  subsequent  life.  At  such  a  point  in 
your  existence,  I  would  that  I  could  furnish  any  precepts  to  be 
chronicled  in  your  memories,  that  might  direct  you  with  safety 
honor  and  usefulness  in  the  scenes  through  which  you  are  to  pass. 
In  the  ever  varying  circumstances  which  attend  us,  the  principles 
of  moral  and  religious  truth,  in  which  you  have  been  so  often 
instructed  in  this  place,  afford  the  only  reliable  chart  for  v'our 
guidance.  These,  I  may  not  presume,  "con  come  mended  from 
my  tongue.''     There   arc  a  few  suggestions,  however,  on  otJicr 


topics,  \vlilch  nuiy  not  be  \\  holly  useless.  In  our  stirring;,  iictivc, 
energetic  nation,  ^vith  every  thing  tending  to  the  practical  aflairs 
of  life,  we  have  not  as  yet,  and  are  not  likely  soon  to  have,  a 
body  ot"  Professors  of  literature  and  science  merely.  And  if  Ave 
wait  the  coming  of  Johnsons,  Goldsmiths,  Humes,  or  Macau- 
j.KYS,  exclusive  devotees  of  learning,  to  establish  a  literary 
character  for  our  country,  we  shall  probably  enact  the  fable  of 
the  rustic  described  by  Horace,  who  sat  by  the  river's  side,  and 
expected  it  to  ebb  av.ay.  Without  pensions  or  pati'onage  from 
(jovernment,  with  the  engrossing  demands  of  public  allairs  of  the 
professions  and  of  business,  calling  for  new  employe's  in  their 
departments,  liberal  learning  among  us,  for  a  long  time  to  come,  at 
least,  is  to  be  cultivated  not  by  a  separate  order  of  writers,  but 
by  those  who  snatch  time  from  other  avocations  for  its  pursuit; 
and  its  chief  dependence  for  preservation  at  all  must  be  upon 
the  alumni  of  our  Universities.  I  conjure  you,  therefore,  for  •'  the 
studies'  sake,''  to  which  you  are  indebted  for  your  present  dis- 
tinction, not  to  permit  your  tastes  in  letters  to  become  extinct, 
but  to  add  to  your  present  acquirements  on  every  fitting  opportu- 
nity. This  will  be  an  easy  task,  if  undertaken  with  a  moderate 
degree  of  attention  now,  but  will  become  more  and  inore  ditlicult 
the  longer  it  may  be  deferred.  I  fear  it  argues,  however,  a  gross 
negligence  of  generous  studies,  or  that  our  courage  is  unequal  to 
uiu"  capacities,  that  there  is  not  a  more  general  diifusion  of  polite 
learning  among  the  men  of  education  in  our  countiv.  Instead 
of  apologizing  for  the  want  of  it,  by  necessary  attention  to  tlie 
demands  upon  our  time  b}'  public  trusts,  our  professions  or  busi- 
ness, we  ought  to  remember  that  some  of  the  most  eminent  vo- 
taries of  elegant  and  profound  learning  were  persons,  who,  at  the 
very  time  when  pursuing  these  studies,  bore  their  full  share  in 
/similar  employments,  and  equally  laborious.  Not  to  recur  again 
to  CiCKRO,  (whose  excellent  biography  by  Middlkton  cannot 
be  too  often  read  by  men  of  affairs,  to  overcome  sloth  and  revive 
their  courage  for  mental  labor)  it  may  be  sufficient  to  particular- 
ize Bacox,  BuRKi:  and  Brougham,  in  English  history,  Lamar- 
TiNE,  GuizoT,  Thiers  and  Arago,  at  the  present  day,  in  France, 
and  omitting  many  others  in  our  country,  Murphy,  Tayt.or  and 
Gastox,  in  our  own  State.  These  were  persons  not  slothful  in 
)iusirie<<,  but  who  ■.uloriicd  business  as  well  as  leisure,  with  the 
charms  of  polite  erudition.     AVhatevcr.  therefore,  be  yoiu'  \>\\\ni 


15 

ol'  lite,  whrilicr  to  emh-ark  in  the  Prol't'b.->iuns.  in  Ai^iiculliuc'', 
Commerce  or  othei-  business,  or  Avholher  you  entertain  a.n  hon- 
orable desire  for  distinction  in  public  cmploynicnt,  a  true  taste, 
love  ol" learning: and  a  desire  for  further  advancement  inkno\vl('d«rc, 
fihould  be  habitually  cherished. 

But  if  these  be  neglected  or  deemed  impracticable,  and  the 
fair  flowers  which  have  been  here  nourished  should  bear  no  such 
fruit,  remember,  that  there  can  be  no  excuse  for  a  failure  to 
illustrate  your  lives  by  enlarged  views  of  integrity,  justice,  truth, 
honor  and  benevolence,  in  your  several  spheres  of  action.  Not 
by  an  abstract  and  outward  admiration  of  these  virtues,  but  an 
inflexible  adherence  to  their  impulses,  under  every  variety  and 
change  of  circumstances.  And  your  education  will  liave  proved 
defective  in  its  most  essential  object,  if  with  the  precepts  of 
religion  and  of  reason,  and  the  examples  of  history,  it  has  not 
imparted  to  you  the  force  of  will  to  maintain  right  and  rehist 
wrong,  come  what  may. 

As  citizens  of  a  Republic  who  have  been  by  your  studies 
made  acquainted  with  tlie  Constitution  and  Government  of  your 
country,  and  Avho  have  also  been 

"  By  ancient  learning,  to  the  enlightened  love 
Of  ancient  freedom  warmed," 

vo\i  feel  a  natural  admiration  of  her  noble  Institutions,  and  a  just 
pride  in  her  fame.  It  will  now  devolve  on  you  to  bear  your 
parts  in  giving  direction  to  her  Government,  and  in  upholdlnij 
these  Institutions.  The  study  of  her  history,  the  trials,  perils  and 
sufferings  through  which  she  has  passed,  and  of  the  characters 
of  the  sages  and  patriots  who  founded  her  Governments,  and 
under  the  Providence  of  God,  conducted  her  affi\irs  to  the  most 
favorable  results,  Avill  engage  your  attention,  not  only  as  subject* 
of  liberal  knowledge,  but  of  personal  interest  and  duty.  In  these 
you  will  learn  what  sacrifices  were  required  to  achieve  our 
National  Independence,  and  what  anxious  days  and  sleepless 
nights  it  cost  the  Father  of  his  Country,  and  his  associates,  to 
establish  our  National  Union.  You  will  thus  be  inspired  with 
true  loyalty  and  attachment  to  that  country,  and  prepared  to  hold 
fast  to  that  Union  "as  the  sheet  anchor  of  our  peace  at  home, 
and  safety  abroad."  For  sixty  years  it  has  secured  to  us  justice 
and  domestic  tranquility,  and  conferred  on  us  a  renown  and  pros- 


16 

■pcrity  unexampled  in  the  hiitory  of  nations.  If  cherished  and 
defended  in  the  spirit  of  sincere  patriotism,  "wisdom  and  forbear- 
ance which  characterized  its  framers,  it  will  preserve  the  blessings 
of  liberty  to  our  remotest  posterity.  Such  of  you  as  may  be 
called  to  administer  its  public  trusts,  should  bear  always  in  mind, 
that  they  are  designed  to  confer  only  "  the  power  to  do  good," 
the  "  true  and  legitimate  end  of  all  aspiring."  But  whether  in 
public  or  private  station,  from  your  course  of  education  you  will 
exercise  an  agency  in  the  formation  of  public  sentiment,  and  will 
be  in  some  measure  accountable  for  results.  May  you  so  appre- 
ciate this  responsibility,  as  to  keep  always  in  view  the  precepts  of 
justice,  wisdom  and  patriotism,  and  to  derive  additional  lustre  to 
your  own  characters,  from  the  brightness  of  that  career  which, 
under  the  blessing  of  heaven,  we  trust  awaits  our  country. 


